Ep. 032: Turning Setbacks Into Success: Amanda Larson’s Multifamily Journey

Amanda Larson’s journey is proof that curiosity, resilience, and strategic action can transform a career. Based in Houston, Amanda began her professional path as an electrical engineer—but today, she’s a full-time multifamily investor with a growing portfolio and a passion for helping others do the same.

A Surprising Start

Amanda’s real estate story began during the 2010 financial crisis, when she reluctantly purchased her first single-family rental property. At the time, investing wasn’t part of a grand plan—it was simply a practical decision. But that first step sparked an interest that would eventually change the course of her career.

Discovering Multifamily

The true turning point came in 2019, when Amanda attended a local real estate meetup and learned about multifamily syndications. Unlike the hands-on, time-intensive world of single-family rentals, multifamily investing offered a more scalable, passive approach—something that fit perfectly with her demanding engineering career.

Interestingly, Amanda’s transition wasn’t fueled by dissatisfaction with her job. Instead, it came from a growing passion for real estate and the realization that her engineering skills—particularly her analytical mindset—gave her an edge in underwriting and deal analysis.

Turning a Setback Into Opportunity

When Amanda was unexpectedly laid off from her oil and gas position, she didn’t see it as a setback. Instead, she embraced it as the push she needed to pursue real estate full-time. Armed with technical skills and newfound determination, she dove into the multifamily space.

A critical factor in her success was joining a coaching program and surrounding herself with a network of like-minded investors. Amanda stresses the importance of choosing a program that aligns with your goals and working with partners who follow through on their commitments.

A Strategic Investment Approach

Amanda’s current focus is on multifamily properties in Texas markets—especially Houston and Dallas. She gravitates toward 1990s–2000s vintage assets with 100–200 units, carefully evaluating each opportunity based on job growth, population trends, and hyper-local market conditions.

Her engineering background continues to shape her approach, bringing precision and discipline to every deal she considers.

Advice for Aspiring Investors

Amanda’s message to new investors is both simple and powerful:

“Life is short, and it’s not going to get any easier to get where you’re going. Pursue your goals with maximum energy and tenacity.”

She encourages others to take action, stay focused, and surround themselves with people who will push them to grow.

Looking Ahead

Today, Amanda is not only building her own multifamily portfolio but also sharing her experience with new investors eager to follow a similar path. Her story is a reminder that with the right mindset, skills, and community, a bold career pivot is always possible.

👉 Learn more about Amanda’s work at amaxequity.com or connect with her on LinkedIn.